By Lance Jenkinson
Altona Roosters will enter the penultimate round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 west season in pole position.
The newly promoted Roosters have been a nice surprise with how well they have handled the step up in class.
Since losing their opening two matches, the Roosters have gone on a 10-game unbeaten run, including six wins, three draws and a tie.
Altona Roosters captain Ash Peters believes the rough start to the season was a wake-up call for his players.
“I think we were a little bit complacent like it was just going to happen for us,” Peters said.
“I put it on the boys, if we want to succeed in this higher grade, we’ve got to do all the hard yards.
“I said let’s take some ownership and don’t rely on other people to do the job.
“Ever since then, the boys haven’t missed a beat.”
Altona Roosters sit three points clear on top, with two rounds to go.
The Roosters seemed on track for victory against Tullamarine on Saturday, requiring 87 for victory with seven wickets in hand, but rain brought an abrupt halt to play.
With all matches drawn, the abandoned match did not hurt the Roosters, who remain in first place.
The key to Altona Roosters’ immediate success in the VTCA’s second tier has been its ability to share the workload with bat and ball. “We’re not relying on one or two people to get the job done,” Peters said. “We’re making an even contribution.”
Altona Roosters players are not getting too far ahead of themselves.
There will be no talk of a premiership or even a home final until a top four spot is under lock and key.
“We’re not looking that far ahead,” Peters said. “We’re looking week by week at the moment and whatever happens from there happens from there.”
Peters praised club president Jim Sideris for his impact in building a competitive team and a healthy club.
“He did a lot of hard work behind the scenes prior to the season after winning the flag going up a division,” Peters said.
“He’s very passionate about the club.” Altona Roosters will travel to second-placed Seddon for a top-of-the-ladder showdown starting on Saturday.
